Unexpected Pregnancy?
- Feeling overwhelmed with options?
- Looking for judgment-free guidance on parenting, adoption, or exploring other choices?
- Considering parenthood but looking for resources to help you decide?
Interested in Adoption? Get to Know Our Waiting Families!
You’re Not Alone. Our Experts Can Help.
Know you are not alone when you take part in our Christian pregnancy support program. Our trained social workers walk alongside you, sharing their commitment to servanthood. We:
- Listen supportively without judgment
- Connect you with helpful resources
- Provide guidance even after your pregnancy
Testimonials
Megan's Story
Megan was referred to CFS by another local organization. Megan was 11 weeks pregnant at time of enrollment and looking for housing. Megan was living house to house and, despite having worked consistently for the past 3 years, she struggled to get approved for housing due to old felonies.
In CFS’ program, Megan’s worker supported her housing search by contacting housing resources and advocating for her. Megan was able to find housing and pay her deposit, stating it was one of the biggest accomplishments of her life. CFS was able to assist with
furniture to get her settled in her new home. Throughout this time, CFS also continued to provide case management, education, and resources to support her goals.
After her healthy baby boy was born, Megan experienced problems with the father of the baby. She was able to relocate to new housing and felt as though her new housing was a step up. As her baby continues to grow and develop, Megan relies on her routines and supportive networks. She is well on her way to self-sufficiency!
Madelyn's Story
Madelyn was connected with Christian Family Services through Legal Services of Eastern Missouri. She was having landlord issues and had reached out for additional support. Legal Services of Eastern Missouri represented her in a legal case regarding her rent payments and won!
Madelyn was pregnant with her second set of twins. She was planning on parenting her twin babies alongside her other 3 kids at home. She is a single parent who had worked full time up to a few weeks before the twins were born.
Christian Family Services enrolled her into our Parenting Support program and has provided rental assistance while she has been home taking care of her twin boys. Madelyn has had monthly contact with her pregnancy support worker. Madelyn begins her new full time job with benefits, paid holidays, and with the possibility of working remotely October 9!
Choose Life with Confidence
Remember, you have choices. We’re here to provide information and support whether you’re considering:
- Parenting
- Adoption
- Other alternatives
Our goal is to empower you to make the decision that’s right for you and your baby.
Experience a Custom-Tailored Path to Parenthood
Transform Your Parenting Journey
Even though your pregnancy may be unexpected or you’re facing challenges, you can get through this difficult season. We’re here to provide information and expand your knowledge as you consider:
- Parenting
- Adoption
- Other alternatives
Explore Resources with Our Parenting Support Program
If you are a young or soon-to-be parent, connect with a social worker who will provide one-on-one teaching and advice. You may also meet with others like you in a group setting. Get access to:
- Parenting skills education
- Case management services
- Transportation needs pertaining to your pregnancy
- Food, clothing and supplies related to pregnancy, newborn care and parenting
Who is Eligible for this Program?
- Must be currently pregnant
- A resident of the state of Missouri
- Have an individual or family income less than income guidelines.
This is a free program to those who meet this criteria. Financial assistance available, dependent on funding.
Ready to enroll in our parenting support program? Call us today.
Not Ready for Motherhood? Adoption Is a Loving Choice.
Prioritize your family’s well-being with our ethical adoption practices. How to determine if an adoption process follows the proper laws and requirements:
- Qualified professionals provide services for both adoptive and birth families
- Children are never treated as commodities
- There are no excessive fees for services and placement
- Birth parents receive full and pressure-free access to counseling
- Decisions are made with a full understanding of their implications
Be sure to ask these questions when evaluating an adoption service, advocate or consultant:
- Are they licensed in your state?
- How much do they charge?
- Are they a full-service agency?
- What care do they provide birth parents before, during, and after placement?
- Do they provide legal representation for birth parents?
Ready to take the next step?
Resources for a Better Tomorrow
If you are a mother, you deserve to feel cared for and have the opportunity to thrive.
Discover below a network of services offering shelter, treatment, and support. If you are a new mother struggling with homelessness, addiction, or domestic violence, there are resources available for you as well.
I am pregnant and homeless. Where can I go?
Our Lady’s Inn
This resources provides shelter and services to expectant mothers. They have locations in St. Louis and St. Charles counties. Visit ourladysinn.org/need-help for locations and to learn more information.
Good Shepherd
Good Shepherd offers a maternity shelter for moms ages 12-21 who are pregnant or have small children. Contact Good Shepherd at (314) 560-6703 or visit goodshepherdstl.org/service/maternity-care for more information.
The Haven of Grace
The Haven of Grace provides a safe, nurturing home, educational programs and long-term support for mother and child. Visit havenofgracestl.org or call them at 314-621-6507.
I am a mother struggling with addiction. How do I get help?
WISH Center
The Women and Infant Substance Help (WISH) Center provides maternity care for expectant mothers struggling with opioids and other drugs. Contact the WISH Center at (314) 768-8230 for more information.
Bridgeway Behavioral Health
This resource offers both residential and out-patient treatment in the Greater St. Louis area. Women with children are able to bring their children into the residential program. Visit bridgewaybh.com for more information and a list of locations.
Queen of Peace Center
They provide housing and treatment for mothers who struggle with various substances. Children are allowed to come into their residential program. Contact them at qopcstl.org/get-help or (314) 531-0511.
Chestnut Health Systems
Offers outpatient and inpatient treatment options as well as case management. Their locations are in Southern Illinois. Contact them at (618) 512-1919 or chestnut.org.
I am a mother experiencing domestic violence. Where can I go to feel safe?
National Domestic Violence Hotline
This national resource offers information and support for survivors, abusive partners, and friends and family members. Visit their website at thehotline.org or call 1-800-799-7233 for assistance. Their website also offers a chat feature or you can receive help via text by texting LOVEIS to 22522.
Safe Connections
Safe Connections offers supportive services such as professional counseling and support groups for survivors of domestic violence. Visit their website at safeconnections.org or call their 24-hour crisis helpline at (314) 531-2003 for assistance.
The Women’s Safe House
This resource offers safe housing in their shelter and provides multi-level support to address and prevent domestic violence. Visit their website at twsh.org or call their 24-hour crisis hotline at (314) 772-4535.
Bridgeway Behavioral Health
This resource offers shelter for women fleeing domestic violence in St. Charles County. Visit their website at bridgewaybh.com or call their 24-hour crisis line at (877) 946-6854.
Violence Prevention Center
This resource is located in Southern Illinois and provides survivors and their dependent children with shelter and other helpful services. Admittance can be provided 24-hours a day by calling their hotline: (618) 235-0982 or vpcswi.org/what-we-do.
Life Reimagined
Are you feeling overwhelmed by an an unexpected pregnancy can be overwhelming? We understand. Our counseling experts are here to walk beside you, providing the support and guidance you need to navigate this journey.
Ready to take the next step?
Frequently Asked Questions
A birth mom who recently made an adoption plan for her son through Christian Family Services shares her answers to some questions we most often hear from those considering adoption.
I have heard that getting an abortion is better than choosing adoption. Am I a bad person for thinking about adoption?
Absolutely not. Are you a bad person for thinking of the baby’s wellbeing and giving them a chance at life? Are you a bad person for giving a family a baby when they aren’t able to have one? These are wonderful gifts to be able to give to someone.
Should I choose an adoption agency or find a family on my own?
When you choose an agency like I did, you are given many possible families to choose from. You learn all about them and then you get to meet them to see who you feel is the perfect fit. It’s the only way I would have it.
How will I know that adoption is the best choice for me and my child?
You will feel at peace with it. Once I had made the choice to go with adoption, I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders. I knew my son would have an amazing life.
Will I regret choosing adoption?
Everyone is different. Personally, I do not regret the decision. I know he has the best life possible. But, I do regret that I as his mother was not able to provide that for him. I regret the circumstances that I put myself in at that time and I regret my choices that led to it. But I do not regret having him, nor do I regret adoption.
What should I do if my family doesn’t agree with my adoption plan?
I have dealt with guilt from family members, judgmental friends and family, and horrible remarks. There’s nothing you can do to change how they feel about it. But only you know exactly what you are going through and only you can make the choice that’s right for you. Never let anyone, even family, make you do something you don’t want to do. You know what is right for you and your baby, and as hard as it is, you have to just shut out the negativity.
Will I get to choose the family who will adopt my child?
More than likely, yes. If you go through an agency like I did, then absolutely you will. It’s all on your terms and your criteria.
What can I expect after my child is adopted?
You can expect immediate sadness. I’m sorry, but that’s the first thing that comes and you have to be prepared for it. After the initial sadness, if you have an open or semi open adoption, you can expect pictures or updates or just contact from the adoptive parents. You are going to be going through a long recovery physically, and mentally you will be a wreck. Lean on your friends and family. Don’t be afraid to share with the adoptive parents how you are feeling. In my experience, being up front and honest with the parents has been essential. You will create a bond with them.
What’s something unexpected that you went through during the adoption process?
I chose a closed adoption. I wanted nothing to do with my child or the adoptive parents, solely because I felt that my heart couldn’t take it. What surprised me was that soon after he was born and they took him home, my feelings changed and the parents were actually very understanding. We have a fully open adoption now.
Should I see my child after delivery?
Honestly, that’s up to you. Everyone grieves differently. If you feel you need to see them, then by all means do so! I spent 2 days with my baby in the hospital, and I don’t regret that at all. It was an amazing experience. If you feel too fragile, then you don’t have to see your baby. Just make sure you don’t look back and have any regrets on the situation.
What was the hardest part of adoption?
The hardest part for my boyfriend and I was leaving the hospital without our baby. We spent 2 days bonding with him and taking care of him and I spent 9 months carrying him, and then he didn’t come home with us. It was heart breaking. But you have to keep in mind the gift you’re giving someone. The life your baby will have, because if you’re considering adoption then you probably know you can’t give them the best life at this time. We kept the hope that we would be reunited with him again one day.
What’s the best part of adoption?
The best part was the new family that we now have. The adoptive parents are family to us. Their family is our family, and their other kids are our family. There’s more love now.
Will I be ok after choosing adoption?
Yes, you will. It is a type of loss, and like with all grieving processes, it will take time. Eventually, hopefully, you will only see the good. Surround yourself with support, and take the time that you need to deal with your loss. But in most cases, it’s only a goodbye for now. You will find peace in knowing that your baby has the best chances in life because of you. It is the ultimate selfless act that a person can commit. And it’s so hard. But as parents, we want only the best for our children. This was the best for our son. I am okay. I survived. I am a better version of myself now after this. I strive to be someone he will be proud of meeting in the future.
